Event inspires youths

The celebration combined gospel, testimonials and motivational speeches.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Even though Martin Luther King Jr. lived long before TaiJaune Robinson was born, the 11-year-old appreciates what he did to bring people together.
For much of this month, the Kirkmere Elementary School pupil has been studying the life of the slain civil-rights leader. TaiJaune has been a mime performer and a member of Blessed Quietness, a young ministry group, for four years.
"That group sounded interesting, and I tried out," she said. "I found out that it was really cool, so I stuck to it."
Leanne Frost, the assistant youth director at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Wilson Avenue, said the nine-members of Blessed Quietness minister through song.
Jacqueline Miller, Blessed Quietness adviser, said the group's main purpose it to "praise the Lord." She said they do so through gestures, facial expressions and music.
TaiJaune was among those who took part in Saturday's Stopping the Violence Celebration at Mount Zion on the city's East side. The event, which combined traditional gospel, testimonials and motivational speeches, was sponsored by Roy Simmons. He is the deacon at the church who also hosts the "Saturday Gospel Show" on WGFT-AM 1330, a local gospel station.
Purposes of event
The third annual event's main purposes were to inspire youngsters while honoring King, and to prepare them to make positive choices in their lives and make a difference in the world, explained Rev. Jack W. Pettis, church pastor.
The event also was set up to "engender the celebration of life, freedom and our struggles," the Rev. Mr. Pettis continued. "It's a great opportunity to tell young people to strive for the very best."
Jasmine, Jolice and Justine Whitney also performed at the event. The 18-year-old triplets are juniors at The Rayen School, began singing at the age of 2, Jasmine said.
They have performed statewide and said they hoped to inspire people through their music. They cited King and Rosa Parks as role models.
Gerald Carter, a producer for Akron-based Gospel Express TV, said he works with young local singers, musicians, poets, mimes and other performers by offering recording contracts.
The idea, he said, is to bring hope and encouragement to young people and to help them steer clear of violence
"We try to unite the community through cultural arts, and bring people together in a positive light," Carter said. Gospel Express TV also works in Akron, Cleveland and Canton.
Carter said that for the past three years he has put on an event for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The holiday shouldn't be seen as just a day off school or work, but it should allow people to "internalize and understand [King's] messages of passive resistance and nonviolence," Carter said.